Titanium-molybdate and method for making the same

ABSTRACT

A process for producing a titanium-molybdate material is provided. The process includes a step of reacting a metal molybdenum (Mo) material in a liquid medium with a first acid to provide a Mo composition and combining the Mo composition with a titanium source to provide a Ti—Mo composition. The Ti—Mo composition can be pH adjusted with a base to precipitate a plurality of Ti—Mo particulates.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 62/463,020, filed on Feb. 24, 2017, in the UnitedStates Patent and Trademark Office and from U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 62/592,737, filed on Nov. 30, 2017, in the UnitedStates Patent and Trademark Office. The disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently-disclosed invention relates generally totitanium-molybdate materials suitable for use in technetium-99mgenerators (Mo-99/Tc-99m generators) and methods for making the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) is the most commonly used radioisotope innuclear medicine (e.g., medical diagnostic imaging). Tc-99m (m ismetastable) is typically injected into a patient which, when used withcertain equipment, is used to image the patient's internal organs.However, Tc-99m has a half-life of only six (6) hours. As such, readilyavailable sources of Tc-99m are of particular interest and/or need in atleast the nuclear medicine field.

Given the short half-life of Tc-99m, Tc-99m is typically obtained at thelocation and/or time of need (e.g., at a pharmacy, hospital, etc.) via aMo-99/Tc-99m generator. Mo-99/Tc-99m generators are devices used toextract the metastable isotope of technetium (i.e., Tc-99m) from asource of decaying molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) by passing saline through theMo-99 material. Mo-99 is unstable and decays with a 66-hour half-life toTc-99m. Mo-99 is typically produced in a high-flux nuclear reactor fromthe irradiation of highly-enriched uranium targets (93% Uranium-235) andshipped to Mo-99/Tc-99m generator manufacturing sites. Mo-99/Tc-99mgenerators are then distributed from these centralized locations tohospitals and pharmacies through-out the country. Since the number ofproduction sites are limited, and compounded by the limited number ofavailable high flux nuclear reactors, the supply of Mo-99 is susceptibleto frequent interruptions and shortages resulting in delayed nuclearmedicine procedures.

There at least remains a need, therefore, for a process for producingmaterial suitable for use in technetium-99m generators (Mo-99/Tc-99mgenerators).

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention may address one or more of theaforementioned problems. Certain embodiments according to the inventionprovide a process for producing a titanium-molybdate (Ti—Mo), such as aporous Ti—Mo material suitable for use in technetium-99m generators. Theterm “titanium-molybdate”, as used herein, generally refers totitanium-molybdate, titanium-molybdenum, molybdenum-titanate, or anyform of Mo—Ti or Ti—Mo species. Processes according to certainembodiments of the invention may comprise reacting a metal molybdenum(Mo) material in a liquid medium (e.g., an aqueous medium) with a firstacid (e.g., a mineral acid) to provide a Mo composition and combiningthe Mo composition with a titanium source (e.g., TiCl₃) to provide aTi—Mo composition. Processes according to certain embodiments of theinvention may further comprise pH adjusting the Ti—Mo composition with abase (e.g., ammonium hydroxide) to precipitate a plurality of Ti—Moparticulates (referred to interchangeably herein as particles). Inaccordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the Ti—Moparticulates may be isolated from or separated from the liquid medium.In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the isolatedTi—Mo particulates may take the form of a slurry including a residualamount of the liquid medium therein. The isolated Ti—Mo particulates maybe subjected to heat energy to at least partially dry and/or partiallycrystallize the Ti—Mo particulates as well as to crystallize a pluralityof inorganic salts within a porous network defined by a Ti—Mo matrix ofthe individual Ti—Mo particulates. For example, one or more of the Ti—Moparticulates may comprise a porous matrix including a plurality of poresand/or channels therein and at least a portion of the crystallizedinorganic salts reside within the pores and/or channels. Aftercrystallization of the inorganic salts within at least a portion of thepores and/or channels of the Ti—Mo particulates, the Ti—Mo particulates,which may be agglomerated together, may be milled and washed for removalof the crystallized inorganic salts. In accordance with certainembodiments of the invention, the processes may comprise irradiating ametal molybdenum target to provide the Mo material as discussed herein.That is, the step of irradiating a metal molybdenum target to providethe Mo material may be carried out prior to the combination of the metalMo material in a liquid medium with a first acid. The metal molybdenumtarget, for example, may comprise a tubular capsule comprising metalmolybdenum and a plurality of internal metal molybdenum components(e.g., balls, rods, wires, discs, etc.) housed inside of the tubularcapsule. Alternatively, the metal molybdenum target, for example, may beone or more metal molybdenum components (e.g., balls, rods, wires,discs, etc.) used alone or in combination, such as a rod with a seriesof discs. In this regard, certain embodiments of the invention comprisea Ti—Mo material produced according to processes disclosed herein.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a Ti—Mo materialcomprising a plurality Ti—Mo particulates comprising a porous structureincluding a plurality of pores, channels, or both. In this regard, oneor more of the plurality Ti—Mo particulates may independently comprise aporous structure (e.g., porous matrix defined by an individual Ti—Moparticle) including a plurality of pores, channels, or both. The Ti—Momaterial, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, mayfurther comprise one or more solid inorganic salts, in which at least aportion of the one or more inorganic salts may be disposed within thepores and/or channels of the porous structure (e.g., porous matrixdefined by an individual Ti—Mo particle). In this regard, suchembodiments of the invention may in some instances comprise anintermediate product for further processing if so desired.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a Ti—Mo materialcomprising a plurality Ti—Mo particulates, in which one or more of theTi—Mo particulates comprise a porous structure including a plurality ofpores, channels, or both.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the process maycomprise irradiating the resulting Ti—Mo material comprising a pluralityof Ti—Mo particulates. For example, the irradiation may be carried outprior to loading the Ti—Mo material into an elution vessel.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the Ti—Momaterial comprises an eluting efficiency of 30% or greater, an elutingefficiency of 80% or greater, 90% or greater, or 95% or greater. TheTi—Mo material, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention,may be disposed in an elution column (e.g., technetium-99m generator)and at least 90% (e.g., at least 95% or at least 99%) of a totaltechnetium content releases from the Ti—Mo material via passing anaqueous liquid (e.g., water, saline, dilute acid) through the Ti—Momaterial.

Other embodiments of the invention are described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, andwherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a process for producing atitanium-molybdate material according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a titanium-molybdate material including several inorganicsalt crystals growing on the surface of the titanium-molybdate andoutwardly from internal portions or pores of the titanium-molybdate;

FIG. 3A shows a post-milled and post-washed titanium-molybdate materialincluding a minor amount of remaining inorganic salt crystals;

FIG. 3B shows a post-milled and post-washed titanium-molybdate materialbeing devoid of remaining inorganic salt crystals;

FIG. 4 illustrates a metal molybdate target for irradiating to provide aMo material according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a metal molybdate targetillustrated by FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cask transfer case according to one embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cask transfer caseillustrated in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a process for producing atitanium-molybdate material according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. As used in the specification, and in the appended claims,the singular forms “a”, “an”, “the”, include plural referents unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise.

The invention provides, according to certain embodiments, a process forproducing a titanium-molybdate (Ti—Mo), such as a porous Ti—Mo materialsuitable for use in technetium-99m generators. The term“titanium-molybdate”, as used herein, generally refers totitanium-molybdate, titanium-molybdenum, molybdenum-titanate, or anyform of Mo—Ti or Ti—Mo species.

In accordance with certain embodiments, the process may include a stepof reacting a metal molybdenum (Mo) material (such as a solid molybdenummetal in a variety of forms including powder and bulk solids of variousparticle sizes and geometries) in a liquid medium with an acid or acids(e.g., a mineral acid) to provide a Mo composition (e.g., a solution ofMo) and combining the Mo composition with a titanium source (e.g.,TiCl₃) to provide a Ti—Mo composition. Metal molybdenum, for example, isusually produced by powder metallurgy techniques in which Mo powder ishydrostatically compacted and sintered. A metal molybdenum material, inaccordance with certain embodiments of the invention, may comprise Moatoms, consist essentially of Mo atoms, or consist of Mo atoms.Non-limiting examples of a metal molybdenum material include, but arenot limited to, natural Mo, enriched Mo (including, but not limited to,Mo enriched in Mo-98), Mo alloys (including, but not limited to, anymaterial where the Mo content is above 50% and the other constituent(s)making the alloy is easily separated from the Mo via chemistry).

Processes according to certain embodiments of the invention may furthercomprise pH adjusting the Ti—Mo composition with a base (e.g., ammoniumhydroxide) to precipitate a plurality of Ti—Mo particulates. Inaccordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the process forproducing solid Ti—Mo may comprise a single-pot process, in which themetal Mo material is transformed into solid Ti—Mo particulates in asingle pot (i.e., the same tank or pot).

In accordance with certain embodiments, the acid or acids utilized maycomprise one or more mineral acids or hydrogen peroxide. In this regard,mineral acids suitable for combination with the metal Mo may comprisehydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid,hydrofluoric acid, boric acid, hydrobromic acid, perchloric acid,hydroiodic acid, halogen acids (such as HAt where At is Astatine), orany combination thereof. In accordance with certain embodiments, themineral acid may comprise hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, or acombination thereof. In this regard, the metal Mo may be immersed in theliquid medium and agitated while one or more of the foregoing acids isadded to lower the pH of the liquid medium. In accordance with certainembodiments, the step of reacting the metal molybdenum (Mo) material inthe liquid medium with the first acid may subject the metal Mo materialand/or any metal oxide formed thereby to a process including, but notlimited to, oxidation, dissolution, other reaction processes, or acombination thereof. In accordance with certain embodiments of theinvention, the liquid medium may comprise an aqueous medium. In thisregard, the liquid medium may comprise water. In accordance with certainembodiments of the invention, the liquid medium consists of water, towhich the metal Mo and one or more of the foregoing acids are added.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the step ofreacting the metal molybdenum (Mo) material in the liquid medium withthe first acid may be performed at a molar ratio of Mo to acid (Mo:Acid)in a range of about 0.1:1 to about 10:1.

The step of reacting the metal Mo may further comprise controlling atemperature of the liquid medium (e.g., aqueous medium), in which themetal Mo is immersed at any point during the reaction. In this regard,the temperature control of the liquid medium (e.g., aqueous medium) maycomprise the addition of heat to the liquid medium, removal of heat fromthe liquid medium, no added heat, or a combination thereof. Additionand/or removal of heat may be achieved by a variety of knownheat-transfer systems (e.g., internal tank coils, heat exchangers,jacketed tanks, etc.). In accordance with certain embodiments of theinvention, for instance, the temperature of the liquid medium may becontrolled throughout the reaction by adding and/or removing heat fromthe liquid medium as desired. In accordance with certain embodiments ofthe invention, for example, heat may be supplied to the liquid medium,in which the metal Mo is immersed, sufficient to raise the temperatureof the liquid medium to or above about 25° C., to or above about 35° C.,to or above about 45° C., to or above about 55° C., etc. The temperatureof the liquid medium may begin to rise. In this regard, controlling thetemperature of the liquid medium by removing heat given off may bedesirable, for example, for at least safety concerns. If the liquidmedium includes any co-chemicals, the boiling points of such chemicalsmay, at least partially, dictate the desired maximum temperature towhich the liquid medium is allowed to reach. In accordance with certainembodiments of the invention, the temperature of the liquid medium maybe controlled by maintaining the temperature of the liquid medium at orbelow about 80° C., for example, by removal of heat from the liquidmedium. In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, thetemperature of the liquid medium may be controlled by maintaining thetemperature of the liquid medium at or below about 100° C., at or belowabout 80° C., at or below about 70° C., at or below about 60° C., at orbelow about 50° C., at or below about 40° C.

Reacting may further comprise agitating the metal Mo material and theliquid medium during at least a portion of the step. In this regard, theagitation of the metal Mo material and liquid medium may provide animproved interaction of the metal Mo material with the liquid medium asthe pH of the liquid medium is reduced via addition of acid (i.e., oneor more mineral acids). For example, agitation may provide improvedaccess of the metal Mo material to the acid in the liquid medium and mayspeed up any resulting reaction process including, but not limited to,oxidation, dissolution, or a combination thereof. In accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention, for instance, the agitation maycomprise mechanically mixing the metal Mo material and the liquidmedium. In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, theagitation may be improved by utilizing an internal tank baffles tofacilitate vertical mixing of the metal Mo and liquid medium.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the step ofcombining the metal Mo material may comprise simultaneously, for atleast a portion of the step, adding one or more acids to the liquidmedium, in which the metal Mo material is immersed, controlling thetemperature of the liquid medium, and agitating the metal Mo materialand liquid medium. The resulting Mo composition (e.g., a solution of Mo)may then be subjected to further processing.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, a process isprovided for producing a titanium-molybdate (Ti—Mo) comprising oxidizinga metal molybdenum (Mo) material, in whole or in part, in a liquidmedium with a first acid to provide a Mo composition, combining the Mocomposition with a titanium source to provide a Ti—Mo composition, andpH adjusting the Ti—Mo composition with a base to precipitate aplurality of Ti—Mo particulates.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, a process isprovided for producing a titanium-molybdate (Ti—Mo) comprisingdissolving a metal molybdenum (Mo) material, in whole or in part, in aliquid medium with a first acid to provide a Mo composition, combiningthe Mo composition with a titanium source to provide a Ti—Mocomposition, and pH adjusting the Ti—Mo composition with a base toprecipitate a plurality of Ti—Mo particulates.

The process parameters and/or process conditions for oxidizing and/ordissolving in the aforementioned embodiments can be the same asdiscussed herein as for the reacting step.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, after formationof the Mo composition, the process may comprise combining the Mocomposition with a titanium source (e.g., TiCl₃) to provide a Ti—Mocomposition. The titanium source may comprise a titanium chloride. Inaccordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the titaniumchloride may comprise titanium(III) chloride (TiCl₃), titanium(II)chloride (TiCl₂), titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄), or any combinationthereof. The step of combining the Mo composition with the titaniumsource to provide the Ti—Mo composition, in accordance with certainembodiments of the invention, may comprise adding the titanium source tothe Mo composition. In accordance with certain embodiments of theinvention, the Mo composition is agitated or mixed during addition ofthe titanium source.

The addition of the titanium source to the Mo composition may comprise,for example, dropwise addition of the titanium source to the Mocomposition. In this regard, the addition of the titanium source to theMo composition may comprise administering one drop (e.g., 0.05 mL) ofthe titanium source at a time to an agitating Mo composition. Inaccordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the number ofdrops of the titanium source added to the Mo composition per minute mayvary. Other forms of administering the titanium source can be usedincluding, but not limited to, a mist, spray, or a combination thereof.The step of combining the Mo composition with the titanium source toprovide the Ti—Mo composition may also comprise adding an acid (e.g. asecond mineral acid) to the Mo composition. In accordance with certainembodiments of the invention, the temperature may be dropped, preferablyin a range of about 25° C. to about 35° C., when the titanium source isadded with the acid. The acid may comprise a mineral acid as disclosedabove. For example, the mineral acid added to the Mo composition duringthe combination of the titanium source and the Mo composition maycomprise hydrochloric acid. In accordance with certain embodiments ofthe invention, the titanium source and the acid (e.g., hydrochloricacid) may be simultaneously added to the Mo composition. For instance,the titanium source may comprise a liquid composition including, forexample, one or more titanium-containing compounds disclosed herein(e.g., TiCl₃) and the acid (e.g., hydrochloric acid). In this regard,the addition of the titanium source may comprise the simultaneousaddition of titanium-containing compound(s) and acid. In accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention, the resulting Ti—Mo compositionmay comprise a final pH of about 3 or less (e.g., about 2 or less, orabout 1 or less) at the end of the step of combining the Mo compositionwith the titanium source. In accordance with certain embodiments of theinvention, the step of combining the Mo composition with a titaniumsource (e.g., TiCl₃) to provide a Ti—Mo composition may be performeduntil a molar ratio of titanium to Mo (Ti:Mo) of about 0.1:1 to about10:1 is reached.

Processes according to certain embodiments of the invention may furthercomprise pH adjusting the Ti—Mo composition with a base (e.g., ammoniumhydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and metal hydroxide(s)) to precipitate aplurality of Ti—Mo particulates. In accordance with certain embodimentsof the invention, the pH of the Ti—Mo composition is adjusted with abase to a pH in the range from about 4 to about 9. As such, in certainembodiments of the invention, the pH of the Ti—Mo composition may beadjusted to at least about any of the following: 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5,and 7 and/or at most about 9, 8.5, 8, 7.5, 7, 6.5, and 6. During the pHadjustment of the Ti—Mo composition, the Ti—Mo composition may besubjected to agitation, for example, to mechanical agitation.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the pHadjustment of the Ti—Mo composition may comprise adding the base in adropwise manner. In this regard, the addition of the base to the Ti—Mocomposition may comprise administering one drop (e.g., 0.05 mL) of thebase at a time to an agitating Ti—Mo composition. In accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention, the number of drops of the baseadded to the Ti—Mo composition per minute may vary.

The Ti—Mo composition after the pH adjustment step includes theplurality of precipitated Ti—Mo particulates from the pH adjustment, andmay be subjected to a cooling or chilling step either during pHadjustment and/or subsequent to the pH adjustment. In accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention, the step of cooling the Ti—Mocomposition may comprise reducing the temperature of the Ti—Mocomposition to between about 0° C. to about 20° C. (e.g., about 3° C. toabout 10° C.). As such, in certain embodiments of the invention, thestep of cooling the Ti—Mo composition may comprise reducing thetemperature of the Ti—Mo composition to at least about any of thefollowing: 3° C., 5° C., 8° C., 10° C., and 12° C. and/or at most about20° C., 15° C., 12° C., and 10° C. In this regard, the cooling step mayfacilitate additional crystallization of inorganic salts within theporous Ti—Mo particulates and/or within the surface of the porous Ti—Moparticulates. As described in more detail below, the additional solidinorganic salts, when subsequently dissolved and/or removed, may formnumerous cracks, caverns/pores, and/or channels that provide passageways for technetium atoms to escape from the Ti—Mo particulates.

Regardless of whether or not the Ti—Mo composition after precipitationof the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates is subjected to the cooling stepdiscussed above, the Ti—Mo composition may be subjected to a separatingoperation (e.g., a solid-liquid separation). In this regard, processesaccording to certain embodiments of the invention may compriseseparating the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates from the liquid medium(e.g., unwanted bulk liquid medium). In this regard, the Ti—Moparticulates may be isolated from or separated from the unwanted liquidmedium. In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, theisolated Ti—Mo particulates may take the form as slurry including aresidual amount of the liquid medium therein. In accordance with certainembodiments of the invention, the step of separating the plurality ofTi—Mo particulates from the liquid medium may comprising filtering(e.g., vacuum-filtering) or centrifuging the Ti—Mo composition to retainat least most of the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates. Filtering mediamay include, but are not limited to, paper, sintered metal, metal mesh,or a combination thereof. A primary and/or a secondary filtering mediamay be used. The separating step may comprise utilization of a metalfiltering surface, wherein at least most of the plurality of Ti—Moparticulates are retained on the metal filtering surface. As notedabove, the isolated or retained Ti—Mo particulates may take the form asa slurry including a residual amount of the liquid medium therein.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the isolated orretained Ti—Mo particulates (e.g., in the form of a slurry) may besubjected to heat energy to at least partially dry and/or partiallycrystallize the Ti—Mo particulates as well as to crystallize a pluralityof inorganic salts within a porous network defined by a Ti—Mo matrix ofthe individual Ti—Mo particulates. During exposure to heat energy, theresidual liquid medium entrained in the Ti—Mo particulates begins toevaporate and the inorganic salts crystallize and/or grow in size. Inaccordance with certain embodiments of the invention, at least a portionof the inorganic salts crystallize and grow in size internally withinthe porous structure (e.g., porous matrix of Ti—Mo) of the Ti—Moparticulates. For instance, the isolated or retained Ti—Mo particulatesmay be subjected to heat energy to at least partially dry and/orpartially crystallize the Ti—Mo particulates as well as to crystallizeand/or grow a plurality of inorganic salts within a porous networkdefined by a Ti—Mo matrix of the individual Ti—Mo particulates. Forexample, one or more of the Ti—Mo particulates may comprise a porousmatrix including a plurality of pores and/or channels therein and atleast a portion of the crystallized inorganic salts reside within thepores and/or channels. In accordance with certain embodiments of theinvention, the inorganic salts comprise ammonium chloride, ammoniumnitrate, and/or ammonium hydroxide. The titanium-molybdate molecules,however, remain in a somewhat amorphous solid state without any strongcrystal state.

The step of subjecting the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates to heatenergy, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, maycomprise exposing the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates to infraredradiation. In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, theinfrared radiation comprises a wavelength from about 700 nm to about1400 nm. As such, in certain embodiments of the invention, the infraredradiation may comprise a wavelength from at least about any of thefollowing: 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 920, 940, 960, 980, and 1000 nmand/or at most about 1400, 1300, 1200, 1150, 1100, 1080, 1060, 1040,1020, and 1000 nm.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the heat energysource may comprise convective heating, freeze drying, an infraredheater, such as one or more light-emitting-diodes (LEDs), quartzcrystal, quartz infrared heating elements, and incandescent light bulbsproducing infrared light. In accordance with certain embodiments of theinvention, the operating temperature may be controlled to be from about20° C. to about 80° C. In this regard, the operating temperature maycomprise at least about any of the following: 20° C., 30° C., 40° C.,45° C., 50° C., 55° C., and 60° C. and/or at most about 80° C., 75° C.,70° C., 65° C., and 60° C.

Subsequent to subjecting the Ti—Mo particulates to heat energy, theTi—Mo particulates, which include inorganic salt crystals located withinthe porous structure/matrix of the Ti—Mo particulates, may optionally besubjected to a milling or grinding operation. After crystallization ofthe inorganic salts (e.g., ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, and/orammonium hydroxide) within at least a portion of the pores and/orchannels of the Ti—Mo particulates, the Ti—Mo particulates, which may beagglomerated together, may be subjected to a milling or grindingoperation to provide a more free-flowing material. In accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention, the Ti—Mo particulates may bemilled by many commercially available mills, such as ball mills, hammermills, high pressure grinding mills, tower mills, and wet mills (e.g.,conical wet mill).

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the averagesize of the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates after the milling step maycomprise from about 10 microns to about 1275 microns (e.g., about 100microns to about 200 microns, about 630 microns to about 1015 microns,etc.). In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, forexample, the average size of the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates afterthe milling step may comprise from at least about any of the following:10, 50, 75, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500,550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 925, and 950 microns and/or atmost about 1275, 1250, 1225, 1200, 1175, 1150, 1125, 1100, 1050, 1000,and 950 microns.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, select particlesizes can be selected by mechanical filters, chemical filters, or acombination thereof.

The milled Ti—Mo particulates, according to certain embodiments of theinvention, may be subjected to a washing step. The washing step, forexample, may be desired to dissolve and/or remove the inorganic salts toopen-up or make available the internal porous structure of theindividual Ti—Mo particulates. As noted above, the porous Ti—Moparticulates may comprise a plurality of pores and/or internal channelstherein. Upon dissolution and/or removal of the inorganic salts in thepores and/or channels, the surface area of the Ti—Mo particulatesavailable for releasing technetium atoms (e.g., Tc-99m) is greatlyincreased. In this regard, the Ti—Mo particulates may comprise a greateramount of titanium-molybdate atoms available for releasing technetiumatoms (e.g., Tc-99m) than non-porous particulates as the internallyavailable porous structure provides more pathways for technetium releaseand/or extraction. In accordance with certain embodiments of theinvention, the washing step may comprise washing the Ti—Mo particulateswith a liquid that can dissolve and/or remove the inorganic salts (e.g.,inorganic salts comprise ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, and/orammonium hydroxide). According to certain embodiments of the inventionthe Ti—Mo particulates may be flushed with water to dissolve and/orremove the inorganic salts. As the solubility of the inorganic salts(e.g., ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, and/or ammonium hydroxide)likely increases with temperature, the liquid (e.g., water) used toflush or rinse the Ti—Mo particulates may be increased (e.g., 70° C. to85° C. of water) to provide faster dissolution and/or removal of theinorganic salts. In accordance with certain embodiments, the Ti—Moparticulates may alternatively be submerged and/or soaked in the liquidand then drained. In such embodiments of the invention, the Ti—Moparticulates may need to be submerged and/or soaked in fresh liquid andsubsequently drained more than one time to remove a sufficient amount ofthe inorganic salts.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the washedTi—Mo particulates may be collected and dried to remove most of thewashing liquid. The drying operation is not particularly limited. Afterdrying the post-washed Ti—Mo particulates, the Ti—Mo particulates maytend to agglomerate together. As such, the Ti—Mo particulates may besubjected to a second milling process, in which the second millingprocess comprises a dry-milling process and the plurality of Ti—Moparticulates after the second milling step may comprise from about 50microns to about 1275 microns (e.g., about 100 microns to about 200microns, about 630 microns to about 1015 microns, etc.). In accordancewith certain embodiments of the invention, for example, the average sizeof the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates after the second milling step maycomprise from at least about any of the following: 10, 50, 75, 125, 150,175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700,750, 800, 850, 900, 925, and 950 microns and/or at most about 1275,1250, 1225, 1200, 1175, 1150, 1125, 1100, 1050, 1000, and 950 microns.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the processesmay comprise irradiating a metal molybdenum target to provide the Momaterial as discussed herein. The metal molybdenum target, for example,may comprise a tubular capsule comprising metal molybdenum and aplurality of internal metal molybdenum components (e.g., balls, rods,wires, discs, etc.) housed inside of the tubular capsule. For example,the tubular capsule may comprise a first end, a second end, and a wallconnecting the first end and the second end to define a hollow cavitytherein. In this regard, the plurality of internal metal molybdenumcomponents (e.g., balls, rods, wires, discs, etc.) may be packed withinthe hollow cavity of the tubular capsule. In accordance with certainembodiments of the invention, at least the first end may be configuredto allow access to the hollow cavity for loading and optionallyunloading the plurality of internal metal molybdenum components (e.g.,balls, rods, wires, discs, etc.). In this regard, at least the first end(or a portion thereon) may be configured to be removed from the tubularcapsule to provide access to the hollow cavity. In accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention, the metal Mo material in thereacting step comprises the plurality of internal metal molybdenumcomponents, the tubular capsule, or both.

The metal molybdenum target may comprise a plurality of metal molybdenumdiscs (e.g., circular discs) that each comprise a length, a width, and athickness in the z-direction. In this regard, the thickness may comprisea value that is less than both the length and width. In accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention, the thickness comprises from about2 microns to about 260 microns (e.g., from about 10 microns to about 150microns). In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, forexample, the thickness comprise from at least about any of thefollowing: 2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 microns and/orat most about 275, 260, 250, 225, 200, 175, 150, 140, 130, 120, 110, and100 microns. In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention,the plurality of metal molybdenum discs are packed in a side-by-siderelationship in the z-direction inside the tubular capsule. Inaccordance with certain embodiments of the invention, a plurality ofmetal molybdenum discs may be used without a capsule. In accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention, the metal molybdenum discs may beformed from metal molybdenum sheets by, for example, a stamping process.In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the metal Momaterial in the reacting step comprises the plurality of metalmolybdenum discs, the tubular capsule component, or both.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment in accordance with theinvention. In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates a process including anoptional step (as indicated by the broken lines) of irradiating a metalmolybdenum target to provide a metal Mo material at operation 10 priorto reaction of the metal Mo material (e.g., received from operation 10or alternatively received from a third party) in a liquid medium with atleast a first acid to provide a Mo composition at operation 20. Asillustrated in FIG. 1, the process includes a step of combining the Mocomposition with a titanium source to provide a Ti—Mo composition atoperation 30 and pH adjusting the Ti—Mo composition with a base to a pHfrom about 4 to about 9 and to precipitate a plurality of Ti—Moparticulates at operation 40. As illustrated in the example embodimentof FIG. 1, the Ti—Mo composition may optionally be subjected to a stepof cooling the Ti—Mo composition at operation 50 prior to a step ofseparating the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates from the liquid medium atoperation 60. After operation 60, the isolated Ti—Mo particulates can besubjected to a step of exposing the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates toheat energy at operation 70 followed by a step of milling the pluralityof Ti—Mo particulates at operation 80. As illustrated by the particularexample embodiment of FIG. 1, the process may then include an optionalstep of washing the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates (e.g., to removeinorganic salts) at operation 90 followed by a second drying step atoperation 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the process may include an optionalstep of re-milling (e.g., dry milling) the post-dried Ti—Mo particulatesat operation 110. FIG. 2, for example, shows a shows atitanium-molybdate material 500 including several inorganic saltcrystals 520 growing on the surface of the surface of thetitanium-molybdate 510 and outwardly from internal portions or pores ofthe titanium-molybdate. In this regard, the washing step at operation 90may dissolve and/or remove a vast majority (or substantially all) of theinorganic salt crystals 520 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3A, for instance,shows a post-milled and post-washed titanium-molybdate materialincluding a minor amount of remaining inorganic salt crystals 520 whileFIG. 3B shows a post-milled and post-washed titanium-molybdate materialbeing devoid (or substantially devoid) of remaining inorganic saltcrystals.

As noted above, the metal molybdenum target that may be irradiated toprovide the Mo material may comprise a tubular capsule and/or aplurality of metal molybdenum components (e.g., balls, rods, wires,discs, etc). FIG. 4, for example, illustrates a tubular capsule 600comprising a first end 610, a second end 620, and a wall 630 connectingthe first end and the second end to define a hollow cavity (illustratedin FIG. 5) therein. FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of thetubular capsule 600 illustrated by FIG. 4 and shows the hollow cavity640. In this regard, the plurality of internal metal molybdenumcomponents (e.g., balls, rods, wires, discs, etc.) may be packed withinthe hollow cavity of the tubular capsule.

The metal molybdenum target, according to certain embodiments of theinvention, may be irradiated, for example, by neutron capture in afission reactor. In accordance with certain embodiments of theinvention, the Mo material as disclosed herein may be provided by avariety of Mo production technologies including, for example, fissionreactors (e.g., reprocessed uranium, low-enriched uranium, and highlyenriched uranium), particle accelerators, and neutron capture. Inaccordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the metalmolybdenum target may be irradiated by any type of reactor in which theMo target can be inserted. Non-limiting examples of reactors include,but are not limited to, High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), a CANDUreactor (e.g., CANDU reactor, CANDU6 reactor, CANDU9 reactor, AdvancedCANDU reactor (ACR), etc.). Other non-limiting examples of reactors arepower reactors and research reactors including, but not limited to,University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR), National Institute ofStandards and Technology (NIST) Reactor, MIT Nuclear Research Reactor(MITR), and Advanced Test Reactor (ATR).

In this regard, the origin of the Mo material as disclosed herein is notparticularly limited in accordance with certain embodiments of theinvention.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a Ti—Mo materialcomprising a plurality of Ti—Mo particulates comprising a porousstructure including a plurality of pores, channels, or both. In thisregard, one or more of the plurality Ti—Mo particulates mayindependently comprise a porous structure (e.g., porous matrix definedby an individual Ti—Mo particle) including a plurality of pores,channels, or both. The Ti—Mo material, in accordance with certainembodiments of the invention, may further comprise one or more inorganicsalts (e.g., ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, and/or ammoniumhydroxide), in which at least a portion of the one or more inorganicsalts may be disposed within the pores and/or channels of the porousstructure (e.g., porous matrix defined by an individual Ti—Mo particle).In this regard, such embodiments of the invention may in some instancescomprise an intermediate product for further processing if so desired.In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, for example,the average size of the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates may comprisefrom at least about any of the following: 10, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150,175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700,750, 800, 850, 900, 925, and 950 microns and/or at most about 1275,1250, 1225, 1200, 1175, 1150, 1125, 1100, 1050, 1000, and 950 microns.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a Ti—Mo materialcomprising a plurality Ti—Mo particulates, in which one or more of theTi—Mo particulates comprise a porous structure including a plurality ofpores, channels, or both. In accordance with certain embodiments of theinvention, the Ti—Mo material comprises an eluting efficiency of 30% orgreater, an eluting efficiency of 80% or greater, 90% or greater, or 95%or greater. The Ti—Mo material, in accordance with certain embodimentsof the invention, may be disposed in an elution column to provide atechnetium-99m generator and at least 90% (e.g., at least 95% or atleast 99%) of a total technetium content releases from the Ti—Momaterial via passing an aqueous liquid (e.g., water, saline, diluteacid) through the Ti—Mo material. In this regard, certain embodiments ofthe invention enable the use of larger elution columns (e.g.,technetium-99m generators). For instance, the standard 20 millilitersaline eluting may extract technetium from elution columns much largerthan the standard 3 milliliter elution column size. Accordingly, certainembodiments of the invention enable achievement of target Tc-99mactivities from smaller than expected Mo activities. Consequently,reactors with lower fluxes may be used to provide commercially viableproduct to the industry and a greater number of reactors may participatein suitable Mo generation.

In this regard, certain embodiments of the invention enable use ofelution columns (e.g., technetium-99m generators) exceeding the standard3 milliliter size (e.g., 5 mL, 10 mL, 12 mL, 15 mL, 20 mL, 25 mL, 30 mL,60 mL, or 100 mL) such that the use of reactors with smaller fluxes toproduce the desired target technetium activity are now viable. Forexample, lower flux reactors that traditionally could not be utilizedfor generating a high enough specific activity of technetium forcommercial purposes may now be viably utilized in accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention. In this regard, a variety ofreactors may be used to supply Mo to processes in accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention.

As noted above, Ti—Mo materials in accordance with certain embodimentsof the invention enable the use of elution columns exceeding thestandard 3 milliliter size (e.g., 5 mL, 10 mL, 12 mL, 15 mL, 20 mL, 25mL, 30 mL, 60 mL, or 100 mL) such that the use of reactors with smallerfluxes to produce the desired target technetium activity are now viable.Accordingly, the present invention also provides an elution pigconfigured to accept a variety of sizes of elution columns which willallow a variety of reactors (e.g. reactors of high flux and/or low flux)to be integrated into the supply chain for the production of Tc-99m. Inaccordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the elution pigmay be configured to accept a variety of different sized elution columnsincluding 3 mL, 5 mL, 10 mL, 12 mL, 15 mL, 20 mL, 25 mL, 30 mL, 60 mL,100 mL or any combination thereof.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a cask transfercase and process. In order to move the highly radioactive Mo materialfrom the reactor to the location for chemical processing (e.g., additionto titanium source, etc.), certain embodiments of the invention providea cask transfer case that may shield personnel from undesirable doses ofradioactivity. The cask transfer case may also allow for safe loading ofthe Mo material and transfer of the Mo material from the reactor pool tothe chemical processing location as well as unloading of the Momaterial. FIG. 6, for instance, illustrates an example embodiment of acask transfer case 1000 including a housing (e.g., including lead) 1110and a dial 1120 attached to a rotating shaft 1130 that extends at leastpartially through the body of the housing. As showing in FIG. 6, thedial 1120 may be rotated to indicate an operating condition of the casktransfer case 1000. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, “L1” indicates thatthe cask transfer case is in an operating condition for loading aradioactive material into a first location, as discussed in greaterdetail below, via material inlet port 1140. As shown in FIG. 6, the casktransfer case 1000 includes a plurality of loading locations (e.g.,“L1”, L2”, and “L3). For instance, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 6 and illustrates the internal configuration of a cask transfercase 1000 according to certain embodiments of the invention. As shown inFIG. 7, the material inlet port 1140 is operatively connected to inletconduit 1150. FIG. 7, for instance, illustrates a radioactive Momaterial 600 inserted through the inlet port 1140 and into the inletconduit 1150. As shown in FIG. 7, the rotating shaft 1130 is attached toan internal conduit housing 1160 that defines one or more internalconduits 1170 defined by the internal conduit housing. In this regard,the one or more internal conduits 1170 extend throughout the entirelength of the internal conduit housing 1160. In this regard, the lengthof the one or more internal conduits 1170 comprise a length greater thana length of material (e.g., radioactive Mo material 600) loaded thereinsuch that the internal conduit housing may be freely rotated about theaxis of the rotating shaft 1130. In accordance with certain embodimentsof the invention, one of the internal conduits 1170 may be aligned withthe inlet conduit 1150 when the dial 1120 is positioned to indicateloading of a material. As such, a material (e.g., radioactive Momaterial 600) to be loaded into the cask transfer case 1000 may beinserted through the inlet port 1140 and travel through the inletconduit 1150 and rest inside an aligned internal conduit 1170 (e.g., thebottom of the loaded material may rest on an underlying internal portionof the housing 1110 and confined by the internal conduit 1170). As shownin FIG. 7, the housing 1110 also includes an exit conduit 1180 locatedunderneath the internal conduit housing 1160 such that a material loadedin the cask transfer case may be dropped or released from the internalconduit 1170 when the dial is positioned to indicate an operationcondition of dropping material (e.g., “D1”, D2”, and “D3” of FIG. 7). Insuch an operating condition, an internal conduit 1170 may be alignedwith the exit conduit 1180 such that the loaded material drops out ofthe internal conduit, passes through the exit conduit, and exits thecask transfer case 100 through exit port 1190. As illustrated by FIG. 6,the cask transfer case may comprise an operating condition indicatingthe cask transfer case is ready for being transferred (e.g., “XFER” inFIG. 7) or relocated without risk of any material loaded therein fromexiting through either the inlet port 1140 or the exit port 1190. Forexample, when the cask transfer cask 1000 is in the transfer operatingcondition according to certain embodiments of the invention, none of theinternal conduits 1170 are aligned with the inlet conduit 1150 or theexit conduit 1180. That is, the inlet conduit 1150 is note aligned withany of the internal conduits 1170 and/or the exit conduit 1180 is notaligned with any of the internal conduits 1170. In this regard, the casktransfer cask 1000 would be safe to relocated to transfer radioactivematerial disposed therein.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the Ti—Momaterial comprising a plurality Ti—Mo particulates may be irradiatedprior to being loaded into a cask transfer case or an elution column.This post-irradation step can eliminate the optional step of irradiatinga metal molybdenum target at the front end of the process. Among theadvantages of such a post-irradiation process step are that the chemicalprocess can be performed without radiological control thereby reducingor eliminating radioactive waste generation, and that there is adecrease in processing time resulting in higher initial activity of themetal-Mo particles.

Referring to the figures, FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a process forproducing a titanium-molybdate material. FIG. 8 illustratespost-irradiation in accordance with the invention. As illustrated inFIG. 8, the process includes step 820 of reacting a metal Mo material ina liquid medium with at least a first acid to provide a Mo composition.In step 830, the process includes combining the Mo composition with atitanium source to provide a Ti—Mo composition and pH adjusting theTi—Mo composition with a base to a pH from about 4 to about 9 and toprecipitate a plurality of Ti—Mo particles in step 840. As illustratedin the example embodiment of FIG. 8, the Ti—Mo composition mayoptionally be subjected to step 850 of cooling the Ti—Mo compositionprior to step 860 of separating the plurality of Ti—Mo particles fromthe liquid medium. After step 860, the isolated Ti—Mo particles can besubjected to a step 870 of exposing the plurality of Ti—Mo particles toheat energy followed by a step 880 of milling the plurality of Ti—Moparticles. As illustrated by the particular example embodiment of FIG.8, the process may then include an optional step 890 of washing theplurality of Ti—Mo particles followed by a second drying step 900. Asshown in FIG. 8, the process may include an optional step 910 ofre-milling (e.g., dry milling) the post-dried Ti—Mo particles. Asillustrated by the particular example embodiment of FIG. 8, the processmay then include an optional step 920 of irradiating the resulting Ti—Moparticles prior to being loaded in an elution column.

These and other modifications and variations to the invention may bepracticed by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention, which is more particularly setforth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood thataspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged in whole or inpart. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat the foregoing description is by way of example only, and it is notintended to limit the invention as further described in such appendedclaims. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims shouldnot be limited to the exemplary description of the versions containedherein.

That which is claimed:
 1. A process for producing a titanium-molybdate(Ti—Mo), comprising: reacting a metal molybdenum (Mo) material in aliquid medium with a first acid to provide a Mo composition; combiningthe Mo composition with a titanium source to provide a Ti—Mocomposition; and pH adjusting the Ti—Mo composition with a base toprecipitate a plurality of Ti—Mo particulates.
 2. The process of claim1, wherein the first acid comprises a mineral acid.
 3. The process ofclaim 2, wherein the mineral acid is selected from the group consistingof hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid,hydrofluoric acid, boric acid, hydrobromic acid, perchloric acid,hydroiodic acid, halogen acid, and a combination thereof.
 4. The processof claim 3, wherein the mineral acid is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and acombination thereof.
 5. The process of claim 1, wherein the liquidmedium comprises an aqueous medium.
 6. The process of claim 1, whereinreacting the metal Mo material in the liquid medium with the first acidis performed at a molar ratio of the Mo material to the first acid in arange of about 0.1:1 to about 10:1.
 7. The process of claim 1, whereinreacting the metal Mo material in the liquid medium with the first acidsubjects the metal Mo material to oxidation, dissolution, or acombination of oxidation and dissolution.
 8. The process of claim 1,wherein reacting the metal Mo material in the liquid medium with thefirst acid subjects a metal oxide formed from the reaction to oxidation,dissolution, or a combination of oxidation and dissolution.
 9. Theprocess of claim 5, further comprising controlling a temperature of theaqueous medium via addition of heat to the aqueous medium, removal ofheat from the aqueous medium, or both.
 10. The process of claim 9,wherein controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium comprisesheating the aqueous medium above 25° C.
 11. The process of claim 9,wherein controlling the temperature of the aqueous medium comprisesmaintaining the temperature of the aqueous medium below about 80° C. 12.The process of claim 9, wherein controlling the temperature of theaqueous medium comprises maintaining the temperature of the aqueousmedium below about 70° C.
 13. The process of claim 9, whereincontrolling the temperature of the aqueous medium comprises maintainingthe temperature of the aqueous medium below about 60° C.
 14. The processof claim 9, wherein controlling the temperature of the aqueous mediumcomprises maintaining the temperature of the aqueous medium below about50° C.
 15. The process of claim 9, wherein controlling the temperatureof the aqueous medium comprising maintain the temperature of the aqueousmedium below about 40° C.
 16. The process of claim 9, further comprisingagitating the metal Mo material and the aqueous medium during at least aportion of the reaction.
 17. The process of claim 16, wherein agitatingcomprises mechanically mixing the metal Mo material and the aqueousmedium.
 18. The process of claim 1, wherein the titanium sourcecomprises a titanium chloride.
 19. The process of claim 18, wherein thetitanium chloride comprises titanium(III) chloride (TiCl₃), titanium(II)chloride (TiCl₂), titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄), or any combinationthereof.
 20. The process of claim 1, wherein the step of combining theMo composition with the titanium source to provide the Ti—Mo compositioncomprises adding the titanium source to the Mo composition.
 21. Theprocess of claim 1, wherein combining the Mo composition with thetitanium source is performed until a molar ratio of titanium to Mo ofabout 0.1:1 to about 10:1 is reached.
 22. The process of claim 20,wherein adding the titanium source to the Mo composition comprisesaddition of the titanium source to the Mo composition in a form selectedfrom the group consisting of a drop, spray, mist, and an combinationthereof.
 23. The process of claim 1, wherein the step of combining theMo composition with the titanium source to provide the Ti—Mo compositionfurther comprises adding a second acid to the Mo composition.
 24. Theprocess of claim 23, wherein the second acid comprises a mineral acid.25. The process of claim 23, wherein the second acid compriseshydrochloric acid.
 26. The process of claim 23, wherein adding thesecond acid occurs simultaneously with adding the titanium source to theMo composition.
 27. The process of claim 1, wherein the Ti—Mocomposition comprises a final pH of about 3 or less at the end of thestep of combining the Mo composition with the titanium source.
 28. Theprocess of claim 1, wherein pH adjusting the Ti—Mo composition comprisesadding the base to provide a pH in the range from about 4 to about 9.29. The process of claim 1, wherein the base for pH adjusting the Ti—Mocomposition comprises ammonium hydroxide.
 30. The process of claim 1,wherein pH adjusting the Ti—Mo composition comprises adding the base tothe Ti—Mo composition dropwise.
 31. The process of claim 1, furthercomprising cooling the Ti—Mo composition during the step of pH adjustingthe Ti—Mo composition, subsequent to the step of pH adjusting the Ti—Mocomposition, or both.
 32. The process of claim 31, wherein cooling theTi—Mo composition comprises reducing the temperature of the Ti—Mocomposition from between about 0° C. to about 20° C.
 33. The process ofclaim 31, wherein cooling the Ti—Mo-99 composition comprises reducingthe temperature of the Ti—Mo composition from between about 3° C. toabout 10° C.
 34. The process of claim 1, further comprising separatingthe plurality of Ti—Mo particulates from the liquid medium.
 35. Theprocess of claim 34, wherein separating the plurality of Ti—Moparticulates from the liquid medium comprises filtering the Ti—Mocomposition to retain at least most of the plurality of Ti—Moparticulates.
 36. The process of claim 35, wherein filtering the Ti—Mocomposition comprises utilization of a metal filtering surface.
 37. Theprocess of claim 36, wherein at least most of the plurality of Ti—Moparticulates are retained on the metal filtering surface.
 38. Theprocess of claim 34 wherein the Ti—Mo composition comprises atemperature from between about 0° C. to about 20° C. during the step ofseparating the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates from the liquid medium.39. The process of claim 1, further comprising subjecting the pluralityof Ti—Mo particulates to heat energy.
 40. The process of claim 39,wherein subjecting the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates to heat energycomprises exposing the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates to infraredradiation.
 41. The process of claim 40, wherein the infrared radiationcomprises a wavelength from about 700 nm to about 1400 nm.
 42. Theprocess of claim 39, wherein subjecting the plurality of Ti—Moparticulates to heat energy comprises exposing the plurality of Ti—Moparticulates to a sufficient amount of heat energy to crystallize aplurality of solid inorganic salts.
 43. The process of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of Ti—Mo particulates comprise a porous matrix and atleast a portion of the plurality of solid inorganic salts resideinternally within the porous matrix.
 44. The process of claim 1, furthercomprising milling the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates.
 45. The processof claim 44, wherein milling is performed subsequent to subjecting theplurality of Ti—Mo particulates to heat energy.
 46. The process of claim44, wherein milling comprises wet milling.
 47. The process of claim 44,wherein the average size of the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates aftermilling is in a range of from about 10 microns to about 1275 microns.48. The process of claim 47, wherein the average size of the pluralityof Ti—Mo particulates after milling is in a range of from about 630microns to about 1015 microns.
 49. The process of claim 1, furthercomprising washing the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates with water. 50.The process of claim 1, further comprising drying the plurality of Ti—Moparticulates.
 51. The process of claim 1, further comprising irradiatingthe plurality of Ti—Mo particulates.
 52. The process of claim 1, furthercomprising irradiating a metal molybdenum target to provide the metal Momaterial.
 53. The process of claim 52, wherein the metal molybdenumtarget comprises a plurality of metal molybdenum discs, a tubularcapsule component, or both.
 54. A titanium-molybdate prepared by theprocess according to claim
 1. 55. A process for producing atitanium-molybdate (Ti—Mo), comprising: oxidizing, in whole or in part,a metal molybdenum (Mo) material in a liquid medium with a first acid toprovide a Mo composition; combining the Mo composition with a titaniumsource to provide a Ti—Mo composition; and pH adjusting the Ti—Mocomposition with a base to precipitate a plurality of Ti—Moparticulates.
 56. A titanium-molybdate prepared by the process accordingto claim
 55. 57. A process for producing a titanium-molybdate (Ti—Mo),comprising: dissolving, in whole or in part, a metal molybdenum (Mo)material in a liquid medium with a first acid to provide a Mocomposition; combining the Mo composition with a titanium source toprovide a Ti—Mo composition; and pH adjusting the Ti—Mo composition witha base to precipitate a plurality of Ti—Mo particulates.
 58. A processfor producing a titanium-molybdate (Ti—Mo), comprising: combining ametal molybdenum (Mo) material in a liquid medium with a first acid toprovide a Mo composition; combining the Mo composition with a titaniumsource to provide a Ti—Mo composition; and pH adjusting the Ti—Mocomposition with a base to precipitate a plurality of Ti—Moparticulates.
 59. A titanium-molybdate (Ti—Mo) material, comprising: aplurality Ti—Mo particulates comprising a structure including aplurality of pores, channels, or both; and one or more inorganic saltspresent in the structure.
 60. The material of claim 59, wherein the oneor more inorganic salts comprise ammonium nitrate.
 61. The material ofclaim 59, wherein the one or more inorganic salts are selected from thegroup consisting of ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, ammoniumhydroxide, and a combination thereof.
 62. The material of claim 59,wherein an average size of the plurality of Ti—Mo particulates is in arange of from about 10 microns to about 1275 microns.
 63. The materialof claim 59, wherein an average size of the plurality of Ti—Moparticulates is in a range of from about 630 microns to about 1015microns.
 64. The material of claim 59, wherein the Ti—Mo materialcomprises an eluting efficiency of 30% or greater.
 65. The material ofclaim 64, wherein the Ti—Mo material comprises an eluting efficiency of70% or greater.
 66. The material of claim 65, wherein the Ti—Mo materialcomprises an eluting efficiency of 80% or greater.
 67. The material ofclaim 59, wherein the Ti—Mo material is disposed in an elution column,and at least 90% of a total technetium content is released from theTi—Mo material via passing an aqueous liquid through the Ti—Mo material.68. The material of claim 67, wherein the aqueous liquid is selectedfrom the group consisting of water, saline, dilute acid, and acombination thereof.
 69. A cask transfer case comprising thetitanium-molybdate material of claim
 59. 70. A system for production oftechnetium comprising an elution column having a volume of at least 3 mLand the titanium-molybdate material of claim
 59. 71. The systemaccording to claim 70, wherein the elution column has a volume ofgreater than 3 mL.